#747 - The State of Endurance Sports and Race Trends with Bob Bickel from RunSignup

In this episode, I dive into the latest insights from RunSignup’s midyear report on the endurance race industry and how demographic shifts along with marketing strategies are shaping running events today. Bob Bickel shares comprehensive data on race registration patterns, growth sectors, and innovative marketing approaches, offering valuable lessons for race directors, marketers, and enthusiasts alike.

Main Topics:

Demographic shifts in race participation, especially younger runners and under-18 registration

The influence of race size, timing, and marketing strategies on registration patterns

How travel, community engagement, and youth programs are driving growth

Effective marketing tactics: team building, referral programs, and community connections

Gender and age participation trends, highlighting increased female participation and younger demographics

Race categorization and the importance of timely registration data for planning

RunSignup’s Knowledge Base and Industry Reports - https://runsignup.com/knowledge-base

Read the 2026 Midyear Race Trends Report - https://info.runsignup.com/2026/06/22/2026-midyear-race-trends-update/

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